Heléna Star, Saint Ludo & TAAHLIAH
BBC Radio 1 has revealed the next group of rising DJs selected as Annie Nightingale Pioneers 2025 celebrating women and non-binary artists across the global dance and electronic scene.
The initiative, now in its fifth year, was created in memory of the late Annie Nightingale, Radio 1’s first female DJ and its longest-serving presenter.
Since its launch in 2021, Annie Nightingale Pioneers has become a key part of Radio 1’s commitment to supporting underrepresented artists.
Each year, three emerging DJs are chosen to share their mixes, stories and inspirations with listeners on the station, providing a platform for fresh perspectives and innovation in club culture.
Heléna Star plays house, techno and global bass. She has played at various clubs alongside many artists. Beyond the decks, Heléna presents a regular show on Foundation FM and co-hosts ‘THERAPY’, a podcast exploring parenthood in the music industry.
Heléna says: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been chosen as one of this year’s Pioneers. For many young women, Annie was a great inspiration and is part of the reason I saw radio as a career option.
“I’m really excited to share this mix with listeners, it’s a complete overview of all the sounds and styles that I love. The music I champion comes from the soul, a want to connect and spread joy.”
Saint Ludo is a DJ and producer born in California, raised in Italy and now based in London. Her sets which blend UK bass, UK garage and jungle have earned praise from Dazed and Mixmag and have garnered support from the likes of Chase & Status and Skrillex.
She is also a Rinse FM resident and has performed at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and The Warehouse Project. Her viral single ‘Subliminals’ recently surpassed half a million streams.
Saint Ludo says: “I am deeply honoured to be an Annie Nightingale Pioneer. Annie’s work changed the narrative of who belongs in dance music and radio, and I’m humbled and excited to carry forward that mission.”
Glasgow-born DJ and producer TAAHLIAH is known for her fusion of pop, club and experimental sounds. She has performed worldwide, including at Fabric, Razzmatazz, Dour Festival, Glastonbury and Sziget, and sold out the Southbank Centre for a one-off collaboration with the London Contemporary Orchestra.
Her debut album ‘Gramarye’ earned nominations for the Scottish Album of the Year and AIM Awards’ Best Independent Album. She has also presented on BBC 6 Music, covering for Mary Anne Hobbs.
TAAHLIAH says: “Honoured beyond words to be chosen as one of the Annie Nightingale Pioneers. To be recognised in her legacy is both humbling and electrifying; she paved the way for so many boundary-pushing artists and I can only hope to continue that energy by creating space for new worlds through sound.”
The 2025 recipients will each appear in a special show on Saturday 8th November from 11pm-2am, showcasing a bespoke mix reflecting their artistry and influences.
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “Annie’s legacy lives on through this initiative, which continues to champion and open doors for new DJ’ing talent. This year’s Pioneers each bring something truly original, and I can’t wait to hear what they have in store.”